KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Indiana-based car wash company Drive and Shine is attempting to develop a second location in Kalamazoo for business.
The company recently opened a location on West Main street and is looking to develop an area at the corner of Stadium Drive and South Drake Road near the Asylum Lake Preserve.
The company had previously purchased the land in late 2018.
However, this area is under the Natural Features Protection (NFP) imposed by the City of Kalamazoo. The NFP is meant to protect the “natural features” within the city.
As a result, the Kalamazoo Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the request to remove the NFP at an upcoming meeting. It will also consider a request to rezone the property.
Kalamazoo citizens, along with members of the Asylum Lake Preservation Association, have spoken out against both of the requests, saying that they should be denied. It is also said that approving the requests would harm the natural features of the area.
Last year, Drive and Shine President and CEO Haji Tehrani had spoken out in opposition of the property rezoning in consideration with the NFP, saying that he would be unable to develop the land purchased for doing so.
Officials will consider both requests on Tuesday, Jan. 14th
